Speaking to the media in Lahore, he said the government was attempting to cover its failures and corruption by increasing prices, while the public is being deprived of basic healthcare and essential services.
He said that although discussions about the federal budget are underway, “the budget is effectively presented every day” in Pakistan, adding that petrol prices are revised every Friday.
Hafiz Naeem accused the government of collecting taxes under the IMF programme, saying citizens are facing an increasing financial burden.
He demanded that the prices of petrol, electricity, and gas be fixed for at least three years to provide relief to the public.
He said that Rs 8,066 billion have been collected from the public under the petroleum levy since 2001, calling it a system in which all successive governments have been involved.
According to him, the public is currently paying up to Rs 115 per litre in levy charges.
The Jamaat-e-Islami leader also highlighted that salaried individuals are the most heavily taxed segment of society, stating that they have paid Rs 660 billion in income tax, yet further deductions continue to be imposed on their salaries.
He demanded tax relief for individuals earning up to Rs 125,000 per month, warning that further taxation would be disastrous for both the economy and the public.
Hafiz Naeem alleged that provincial governments are also misusing public resources and damaging the public education system.
He maintained that the petroleum levy is not a traditional tax but is still being collected from citizens.
He warned that if the levy is not immediately withdrawn, Jamaat-e-Islami will consider a strike and wheel-jam protest after consultations.
He said ordinary citizens are unable to afford school fees for their children, while inflation and taxation continue to increase their hardships.
He further alleged that the government raises prices to hide its failures and corruption, while citizens are being deprived of healthcare and basic facilities.
Referring to global and regional issues, he said that civilians continue to suffer in conflict zones, including Gaza, where innocent lives are being lost.
